Mini Cheese and Prosciutto Tarts

Puff pastry is a versatile and delicious base for numerous dishes, and in this recipe, we will let our imagination run wild, creating small delights filled with cheese and various savory ingredients. We start by rolling out the puff pastry on a clean surface using a rolling pin. It is essential to ensure that the dough has an even thickness of about 3-4 mm to achieve a perfect texture. Using a cookie cutter or a glass with a thin rim, we cut circles from the dough, making sure to leave enough space between them.

The dough circles are gently placed in mini muffin tins, which have been previously greased with a little butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking. These will become perfect nests for our flavorful filling. In a separate bowl, we mix the cheese, whether we choose cream cheese or cottage cheese, with a beaten egg, sour cream, salt, and pepper until we achieve a creamy and homogeneous mixture. To this base, we can add thin strips or small pieces of ham (prosciutto) for extra flavor.

To add a note of freshness and flavor, we can sauté some vegetables. The onion, bell pepper, and tomatoes, finely chopped, are sautéed in a little heated oil until they become slightly translucent and the flavors develop. It is important not to leave them on the heat for too long, so they retain their texture and freshness. After a few minutes, we drain the oil mixture and add it to the cheese mixture, blending everything well.

We carefully fill each dough nest with the cheese and vegetable mixture, being careful not to overfill them to prevent the filling from spilling during baking. We preheat the oven to a high temperature, 195°C (or 380°F), and place the trays inside. We bake until the dough turns beautifully golden brown, and the filling starts to set, a sign that it is ready.

After removing the trays from the oven, we let these wonderful snacks cool on a platter. Served warm or at room temperature, these pastry baskets with cheese and vegetables are perfect alongside a glass of cold beer, turning any moment into a true celebration of flavor. This recipe is perfect for parties, gatherings with friends, or simply enjoying a delicious meal at home.